Method for operating an ambient lighting device of a vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating an ambient lighting device (1) of a vehicle (2), wherein the ambient lighting device (1) emits at least one light pattern (4) into the surroundings of the vehicle (2) in response to a control command by means of at least one lighting device (3), characterized in that the ambient lighting device (1) is put into a standby mode by inputting an operating action by means of an operating element (25), wherein the ambient lighting device (1) emits light when an authorized person approaches the vehicle (2) while it is operated in the standby mode; wherein by means of the ambient lighting device (1), information is projected into the surroundings at least when at least one vehicle door is opened, wherein a content of the information is changed depending on a seat occupancy of a vehicle seat adjacent to the opened door.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an ambient lighting device of a vehicle according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1 and to a vehicle with such a lighting device.

[0002] A so-called Coming Home, Follow-Me-Home or Leaving Home equipment package is often available for vehicles. This involves a special lighting device or a method for operating the lighting device. With the help of the lighting device, it is possible to illuminate a typically dark area around a stationary or slowly moving vehicle. While vehicle headlights are used to illuminate a section of road traveled by the vehicle in the dark so that a person driving the vehicle can operate the vehicle safely even at night, and indicator lights such as turn signals are used to indicate a dangerous situation and to indicate a lane change or turning maneuver, the Coming Home or Leaving Home function, on the other hand, is used to enable the person driving the vehicle to access or park the vehicle safely.For example, the lighting device can create a so-called carpet of light around the vehicle, which can be used to more easily locate fallen objects such as a dropped car key. Furthermore, the ambient lighting makes it easier to load and / or unload the vehicle in the dark. Specific areas of the surrounding area can also be illuminated, for example to illuminate a path leading towards or away from the vehicle. This reduces the risk of tripping for a person approaching or leaving the vehicle. It can also illuminate third parties, such as an attacker hiding in a parking garage, to alert the driver of the danger. This also increases the driver's sense of security.The coming-home function is typically activated when the vehicle is parked, which can be detected by deactivating a vehicle's drive engine, removing an ignition key from an ignition lock, opening vehicle doors and / or locking the vehicle. The leaving-home function, on the other hand, is activated when the vehicle is entered. Accordingly, entry into the vehicle is detected, for example, by an unlocking command being sent to the vehicle, vehicle doors being opened and / or a person driving the vehicle approaching the parked vehicle. To emit light, the ambient lighting device comprises various lighting devices such as lights typically provided on a vehicle, such as front and / or rear headlights, license plate lighting, entry and exit lighting integrated into doors or a vehicle frame, or lights integrated into handle recesses or side mirrors.There are no limits to the variety of light patterns projected into the environment. State-of-the-art light patterns with a wide variety of shapes, colors, patterns, sizes, display durations, and different lighting dynamics are known.

[0003] Such a lighting device is disclosed, for example, in DE 199 36 357 A1. With the help of the lighting device, a preferably continuous or gap-free carpet of light is created all around a vehicle, with the help of which the vehicle can be loaded and / or unloaded more easily in the dark and to increase the feeling of security of a person using the vehicle. The lighting device is activated when the ambient brightness, measured by a brightness sensor, falls below a specified value and an activation command sent from the vehicle via a remote control is received. The remote control can also comprise the vehicle's central locking system. This allows the lighting device to be activated simultaneously when the vehicle is opened and locked. It is also possible to regulate the brightness emitted by the lighting device depending on the ambient brightness.For this purpose, the power of individual lighting elements can be increased or decreased, and the number of switched-on lights can be varied. The lighting system is automatically deactivated after a specified period of time, after a vehicle's engine has been started, or after a specified period of time has elapsed after all vehicle doors have been closed. The lighting system can use the vehicle's parking lights, taillights, mirror base lights, bumper lights, the vehicle's interior lighting, door entry lights, and license plate lighting as light sources. All or just one of the aforementioned light sources can be controlled specifically. By entering manual controls, the number of activated lights and their brightness can be freely adjusted, and the lighting system can be activated and deactivated.By creating a carpet of light cast into the surroundings by the lighting system that is as continuous as possible, i.e. without gaps, around the vehicle, a particularly high feeling of safety is created.

[0004] DE 10 2012 024 513 A1 discloses another ambient lighting device and a corresponding method for operating the ambient lighting device. With the lighting device disclosed in this document, a person is able to adjust the manner in which the lighting device casts light into the surroundings to suit their personal preferences. The direction of light propagation, the angle of light propagation, and the brightness of the emitted light can be adjusted. Multiple profiles with different settings can also be saved. With the aid of a camera, in particular a so-called surround-view camera, and a corresponding display for displaying camera images, even areas around the vehicle that are difficult to see can be easily viewed in order to check whether a chosen lighting setting is satisfactory.The settings can be made, for example, via a vehicle head unit, a vehicle key, and / or a mobile device such as a smartphone running a corresponding app. The lighting system can preferably illuminate a continuous area around the vehicle. To activate the lighting system, an activation command must be issued manually. It may also be necessary to enter an activation command twice in succession to prevent unwanted activation of the lighting system. The lighting system can use all common light sources, such as incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, gas discharge lamps, fluorescent lamps, and / or light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0005] DE 10 2013 016 347 A1 also discloses a lighting device for a vehicle. The lighting device is used in particular as an entry and exit light for the vehicle. The lighting device comprises at least one projector with the aid of which digital information such as text, images and / or logos are projected into the immediate vicinity of a vehicle door when entering and exiting the vehicle. To activate the lighting device, a control command is issued depending on a door contact. If, for example, the door is opened, the lighting device is activated. It is also possible to additionally detect the approach of a person to the vehicle with the aid of a motion sensor and to automatically activate the lighting device as soon as a person approaches the vehicle. The lighting device can be deactivated in stages.After an initial period of time, the information is stopped, and after a further, longer period, the backlight is also deactivated. Mobile storage media such as a USB stick or memory card, or even a mobile device, can be used to provide digital information in the vehicle. Data transmission is possible, for example, wirelessly or via cable. For example, the lighting device can emit a red carpet of light to give a person entering or exiting the vehicle the feeling of walking on a red carpet.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 10 2017 119 919 A1 discloses a lighting arrangement of a motor vehicle and an ambient lighting device with such an arrangement. In this case, ambient conditions around a vehicle are continuously detected with the aid of sensors, and light segments of the ambient lighting device are dynamically and continuously controlled depending on the measured ambient conditions. With the aid of the ambient lighting device, dynamics can also be generated in a light pattern projected into the environment, such as movements, pulsations, changes in brightness, changes in color, moving patterns, and / or other characteristics corresponding to an animation. Here, too, a continuous area around the vehicle is preferably illuminated. In particular, weather conditions, an operating state of the vehicle, a charge state of a traction battery, an autonomous driving mode, and / or an error state are evaluated as ambient conditions.For example, a vehicle type can be indicated by a light color. For example, the ambient lighting device emits a yellow light for a battery-electric vehicle and a red light for a vehicle with a combustion engine. Likewise, the charge level can be displayed when the traction battery of a battery-electric vehicle is being charged at a charging station. For example, a red light is emitted when the battery is empty, a yellow light when the battery is partially charged, and a green light when the battery is fully charged. This is particularly advantageous for rental and / or car-sharing vehicles. In addition to the detected ambient conditions, the characteristics of the light emitted by the ambient lighting device can also be controlled depending on the presence and position of a specific person in relation to the vehicle, as well as the identity of that person.To detect a person, images captured by a camera can be analyzed. For example, the person's position is detected and an area around the person is illuminated more brightly so that the person can more easily find dropped objects or to alert other people to the illuminated person. This makes it easier to detect attackers, for example. Furthermore, the document discloses the storage of light characteristics depending on the geoposition of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is at a first location, a first light characteristic is used; if the vehicle is at a second location, a different second light characteristic is used.For example, when parking the vehicle in a private garage, the garage can be illuminated, and when parking the vehicle in a company car park, the surrounding area can be illuminated particularly discreetly.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 10 2017 110 245 A1 discloses an assistance method for a lighting control system of a motor vehicle. The lighting control system controls a lighting unit to move a light beam projected by the lighting unit into the surroundings according to a first assistance function, following an actuation of a portable unit, or to automatically track a trajectory of the portable unit according to a second assistance function.

[0008] US 2020 / 0108795 A1 also discloses a multi-factor authentication method for vehicle operation. Authentication of an authorized person is possible by detecting an identification device such as a vehicle key and verifying a biometric feature, such as facial recognition and / or voice analysis.

[0009] EP 3 090 900 A1 further discloses a vehicle with a vehicle lighting system and a corresponding method for controlling it. With the aid of the vehicle lighting system, differently designed light patterns are projected into the vehicle's surroundings depending on an impending dangerous situation for a vehicle occupant and / or another road user.

[0010] Furthermore, DE 10 2013 225 852 A1 discloses a method and a device for controlling at least one lighting device of a vehicle. The method provides for changing the interior lighting of the vehicle in the event of an imminent danger to a vehicle occupant.

[0011] DE 10 2013 001 307 B4 also describes the use of a vehicle as a mobile surveillance or alarm system.

[0012] DE 10 2015 220 911 A1 and DE 202 14 278 U1 also disclose vehicles with a lighting device for projecting light into the vehicle's surroundings. A carpet of light can also be projected continuously around the entire circumference of a respective vehicle.

[0013] The present invention is based on the object of advantageously further developing methods known from the prior art for operating an ambient lighting device of a vehicle.

[0014] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for operating an ambient lighting device of a vehicle having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle having the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0015] In a method for operating an ambient lighting device of a vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, according to the invention the ambient lighting device is put into a standby mode by inputting an operating action by means of an operating element, wherein the ambient lighting device emits light when an authorized person approaches the vehicle while it is operated in the standby mode, and wherein information is projected into the environment by means of the ambient lighting device at least when at least one vehicle door is opened, wherein a content of the information is changed depending on a seat occupancy of a vehicle seat adjacent to the opened door.

[0016] It is known from the prior art to automatically activate a vehicle's ambient lighting device when a person approaches the vehicle, for example using a motion sensor. However, it can happen that the ambient lighting device is activated even though this is not necessary, for example because uninvolved persons walk past the vehicle. This places unnecessary strain on a vehicle battery and thus discharges it more quickly. To prevent this, the ambient lighting device is only activated when an authorized person approaches the vehicle. Even in this case, however, it can happen that activation of the ambient lighting device is undesirable.However, by setting the ambient lighting device to standby mode, the authorized person can ensure that the ambient lighting device is only automatically activated when desired by the authorized person. If, for example, automatic activation of the ambient lighting device is undesirable for an extended period of time, the authorized person can deactivate the standby mode, after which the ambient lighting device will not emit any light even when the authorized person approaches the vehicle. This increases the comfort of using the ambient lighting device and reduces unnecessary energy consumption.

[0017] The operator control for putting the ambient lighting device into standby mode can be input in a variety of ways. For example, this can be done via a vehicle's head unit. It is also conceivable that physical buttons, switches, dials or the like are provided on a vehicle's instrument panel. It is also conceivable to input the operator control via a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or the like, or using a vehicle key. Standby mode remains activated until it is manually deactivated by entering a new operator control. It is also conceivable that standby mode is automatically deactivated and / or reactivated depending, for example, on the elapsed time, the distance traveled by the vehicle or the location of the vehicle.

[0018] The ambient lighting device can emit any desired light pattern into the area surrounding the vehicle. The light pattern can, for example, be continuous all the way around the vehicle, i.e., without gaps. For example, the light pattern can extend around the vehicle to a distance of approximately 1 m. However, it is also possible for the light pattern to be interrupted at least along a circumferential section around the vehicle, for example in the area of a vehicle front. The ambient lighting device can comprise various lighting devices, such as vehicle headlights, projectors, auxiliary lights, or the like. All common lighting sources, such as incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, fluorescent tubes, LEDs, lasers, or the like, can also be used as lighting sources. The light pattern can have any desired brightness, extent, color, information content in the form of text, images, logos, and / or dynamics.It is also possible to monitor the ambient brightness with the help of a brightness sensor and only emit light from the ambient lighting device when there is a certain degree of darkness in the area surrounding the vehicle.

[0019] By taking seat occupancy into account, it is possible to determine whether a person wishes to enter or leave the vehicle. If the vehicle door is opened and a seat adjacent to the door is detected to be occupied, this means that a vehicle occupant wishes to leave the vehicle. If the vehicle door is opened and an empty vehicle seat is detected, this indicates that a person wishes to take a seat in the vehicle. For example, when leaving the vehicle, a farewell text such as "Goodbye" or "Bye" and / or any information such as the news or a weather report can be projected into the surrounding area. If, on the other hand, it is detected that a person wishes to take a seat in the vehicle, a text message such as "Welcome" or "Hello" can be projected into the surrounding area. This is specifically aligned so that it is visible to a person leaving or entering the vehicle.The person entering the vehicle appears the right way round. This creates a special experience when using the vehicle.

[0020] An advantageous further development of the method provides that a person is recognized as an authorized person using at least one of the following methods: • Entry of an identification transmitter into a detection range of an identification system of the vehicle, wherein in particular a vehicle key, transponder and / or a mobile terminal is used as the identification transmitter; • Evaluating at least one camera image generated by at least one vehicle camera, in particular using facial recognition; and / or • Evaluating an audio signal output by at least one vehicle microphone, wherein the audio signal in particular comprises at least one keyword and / or key phrase spoken by the authorized person and wherein preferably a voice characteristic of the authorized person is analyzed.

[0021] Using the methods listed, particularly reliable recognition of an authorized person is possible. This occurs automatically when the authorized person approaches the vehicle, which increases convenience when using the ambient lighting device. If the authorized person approaches the vehicle, which is detected in particular when an identification transmitter comes within detection range of the identification system, the ambient lighting device is automatically activated. If, for example, the authorized person is carrying objects and therefore does not have a free hand, they can approach the vehicle in the dark, whereupon the vehicle automatically illuminates the area around it. This can increase convenience for the authorized person, as no control action needs to be entered to illuminate the area around the vehicle, which would require the person to put down the objects they are carrying.A detection range can be in the same order of magnitude as a typical range of a radio key, for example 1 to 40 m.

[0022] By using a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet or similar as an identification transmitter, automatic activation of the ambient lighting device can be implemented even when using a so-called keyless go system.

[0023] It is also conceivable to recognize the authorized person based on a camera image. This further increases the convenience of using the ambient lighting device, as the authorized person can be recognized and the ambient lighting device can therefore be activated even if the authorized person does not have the identification transmitter with them. For this purpose, a photo or video of an authorized person can be taken in advance and stored in the vehicle so that the vehicle has information about which person is considered an authorized person. The camera image of the authorized person can also be taken outside the vehicle, for example via a photo camera or a mobile device such as a smartphone, and transmitted wirelessly to the vehicle. This further increases the convenience of using the ambient lighting device.For example, if the vehicle is a van used by a company, the owner of the van can send a photo of a new employee to the vehicle so that the vehicle recognizes the new employee as an authorized person when the vehicle is used for the first time.

[0024] The authorized person can also be recognized, and the ambient lighting activated, by voice. This function is known, for example, from so-called voice assistants. This also allows a person who does not have a free hand to activate the ambient lighting conveniently and easily. To do so, the authorized person can say a keyword and / or a key phrase, for example, "Hey vehicle, activate the ambient lighting", whereupon the ambient lighting is activated. For this purpose, the authorized person can be recognized, for example, based on their voice characteristics. It is also possible for the authorized person to be recognized by the identification transmitter and / or by evaluating a camera image, but a voice command must also be given to activate the ambient lighting.Speech detection is performed using at least one microphone mounted on the vehicle. This microphone is also capable of detecting sounds outside the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, a microphone on a mobile device connected to the vehicle can also be used for this purpose.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, when a vehicle occupant wishes to leave the vehicle, a light pattern is projected into the surroundings by means of the ambient lighting device, wherein the light pattern has a different color, shape, area, pattern, brightness, luminous range and / or dynamics when safe exit is possible or when there is a potential risk of an accident. This ensures particularly safe exit from the vehicle. On the one hand, the vehicle occupant can be warned of an approaching other road user such as a car or truck or even a cyclist in order to prevent the vehicle occupant from opening the vehicle door, which would then cause the other road user to drive into the open vehicle door.Other road users can also be warned of the person getting out of the vehicle by perceiving the light pattern projected into the surrounding area. In order to determine whether it is possible to get out of the vehicle safely, the area around the vehicle is monitored using proven environmental monitoring systems. For example, an area towards the front of the vehicle is monitored using a multi-purpose camera, and an area to the rear of the vehicle is monitored using a reversing camera from a parking aid and / or reversing cameras that are used as a replacement for side mirrors. By evaluating the images generated by the cameras, other road users and, in particular, their relative position to the vehicle can be determined. It is also possible to monitor the area around the vehicle using distance sensors.Radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors and / or laser scanners can be used for this purpose, for example. This allows the approach of another road user to be reliably detected, particularly in an area which is entered when a vehicle door is opened. Various methods can also be used to detect a vehicle occupant's desire to exit. For example, a vehicle interior can be monitored with the help of cameras in order to detect and evaluate the movements of the vehicle occupants. Parking the vehicle, which can be detected, for example, by deactivating a vehicle's drive system, can also indicate that the door is about to be opened. Navigation data can also be evaluated. If the vehicle reaches a programmed navigation destination, for example, this means that a person driving the vehicle wishes to leave the vehicle.Touch sensors can also be integrated into the vehicle's door handles, which emit a signal when a vehicle occupant touches and / or operates the door handle.

[0026] If it is possible to exit safely, the ambient lighting device, for example, projects a green rectangle of light into the immediate area in front of the vehicle door from which the vehicle occupant wishes to exit. A message can also be projected into the rectangle, for example a text such as "Okay", "Get out!" or "Safe". If, on the other hand, an accident is imminent when opening a vehicle door, the ambient lighting device, for example, projects a red rectangle of light into the area in front of the vehicle door. Analogously, a corresponding warning such as a warning text or a warning symbol such as a lightning bolt or exclamation mark can be projected into the light rectangle. For example, a warning text such as "Attention!" or "Warning" or "Stop" can be displayed. Additionally or alternatively, the light pattern can be given a dynamic effect. For example, the light pattern can pulsate like a strobe light.It is also possible to implement the output of the light pattern in stages. For example, if a door handle is touched, the light pattern will glow red continuously. If this does not prevent the person getting out and they begin to open the door further, the light pattern can be output dynamically; for example, the light pattern can start flashing. This can increase the reliability so that the person getting out notices the hazard warning in time and stops the door from opening. It is also conceivable that the vehicle's door handles are equipped with a safety function, and the door can only be opened when it is safe to get out. Since malfunctions can occur, a workaround to bypass the door lock can also be provided.For example, a door handle can be operated several times or pulled from a first pull point to a second pull point in order to be able to open the door even if it is locked.

[0027] Because the light pattern is projected by the ambient lighting device into the area surrounding the vehicle, other road users are also able to perceive the light pattern. This warns other road users of the potential exit of the vehicle occupants and allows them to perform evasive maneuvers if necessary. This improves road safety.

[0028] A further advantageous embodiment of the method further provides that, in addition to or as an alternative to the light pattern projected into the surrounding area, the vehicle's interior lighting is activated depending on whether the exit is safe or unsafe. This can further improve road safety. For example, the interior door handle lighting can be green when a safe exit is possible and red when a collision with another road user is imminent. This can provide a vehicle occupant with early warning of the danger if they want to get out, whereupon the vehicle occupant will not even attempt to open the door. Here, too, the interior lighting can be designed as desired. For example, the brightness, color, display duration, dynamics, or similar features of the interior lighting can be changed if a dangerous exit is detected instead of a safe one.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the ambient lighting device emits light upon detection of an attempted break-in and / or damage to the vehicle, wherein the ambient lighting device exclusively illuminates a relevant surrounding area. An attempted break-in and / or damage to the vehicle can be detected, for example, with the aid of inertial sensors and / or vehicle interior monitoring, for example using an interior camera. The damage to the vehicle can be, for example, a parking bump. In such a situation, it is known to activate the vehicle's hazard warning lights, for example. This causes attackers to flee and / or alerts third parties to the attempted break-in and / or damage to the vehicle.By illuminating the relevant surrounding area with the help of the ambient lighting system, in addition to or as an alternative to the activated hazard warning lights, the person responsible for an accident can be specifically alerted to the location where they caused the vehicle damage and / or an attacker can be illuminated so that they can be more easily identified. This can improve vehicle safety.

[0030] Seat occupancy is preferably monitored using camera surveillance of the vehicle interior and / or a seat occupancy sensor. A seat occupancy sensor and vehicle interior camera surveillance allow for reliable and simple detection of whether a person is entering or exiting the vehicle.

[0031] In a vehicle with a lighting device, at least one control unit, and an identification system, the control unit is configured according to the invention to execute a method described above. The vehicle can be any vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, van, bus, or the like.

[0032] An advantageous development of the vehicle provides that at least one lighting device of the lighting apparatus, in particular a projector configured to display information, is integrated into a sill panel, underbody panel, and / or bumper of the vehicle. By providing the lighting device in the sill panel, underbody panel, and / or bumper, a particularly discreet integration of the lighting device into the vehicle is possible, which improves the aesthetics of the vehicle. In addition, relevant surrounding areas around the vehicle can be illuminated particularly reliably by the lighting device, since the lighting device is arranged at a comparatively short distance from the surroundings.This reduces the risk of obstructive items or objects being located in the light beam path emitted by the lighting device, which could cause a shadow in the light pattern produced by the lighting device. In particular, this can generate a continuous carpet of light at least along a circumferential section of the vehicle. It is particularly advantageous if the continuous carpet of light extends from a side of the vehicle front, across a rear of the vehicle, to a side of the vehicle front opposite the first vehicle front. If a person loses an object, for example, it can be found more easily in the dark because the lighting device illuminates all relevant areas around the vehicle.The light emitted by the lighting device can also reach at least partially under the vehicle in order to easily locate, for example, an object that has rolled under the vehicle.

[0033] The vehicle preferably has exactly five lighting devices, two lighting devices being arranged on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle as viewed in relation to a vehicle longitudinal axis, and one lighting device being arranged at the rear of the vehicle, and in particular the lighting devices being designed to project a continuous light pattern into the surroundings. By providing exactly five lighting devices, a lighting device can be provided under each vehicle door in a five-door vehicle. This allows a relevant area of the vehicle's surroundings to be illuminated particularly reliably. Since the lighting devices are arranged around the vehicle, a continuous light pattern can also be generated around the vehicle particularly easily. Any common lighting devices can be used as the lighting device. For example, headlights, marker lights, projectors or the like can be used for this purpose.These can comprise various lighting devices such as lamps, LEDs, lasers, or the like. To control the direction of illumination and / or the scattering angle with which the light emitted by the lighting device is projected into the environment, the lighting devices can comprise various components, such as lenses, reflectors, prisms, mirrors, filters, or the like, as well as corresponding actuators for moving these elements.

[0034] Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention and of the vehicle also emerge from the exemplary embodiments which are described in more detail below and with reference to the figures.

[0035] Showing: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of vehicle components arranged in a vehicle for carrying out a method according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic plan view of a vehicle according to the invention, which projects a continuous carpet of light into a vehicle environment around the vehicle; and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a traffic situation in which a person getting out of a vehicle is warned of other road users.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 2, which is in Fig. 2, comprises components with the aid of which a method according to the invention can be carried out. The vehicle 2 comprises a central control unit 10, for example a central on-board computer and / or a processing unit of a head unit of the vehicle 2. Various subsystems are connected to the control unit 10 via a data line such as a data bus. The control unit 10 forwards control commands to an ambient lighting device 1, with the aid of which a light pattern can be projected into the environment around the vehicle 2. The ambient lighting device 1 comprises a plurality of lighting devices 3, of which Fig. 1 three are shown. The lighting devices 3 can be, for example, a matrix headlight, a projector or a marker light. The lighting devices 3 in turn comprise a plurality of lighting means 11, of which Fig. 1, two are shown for each lighting device 3. LEDs, lamps, lasers, or the like can be used as lighting means 11, for example. In order to generate a control command to the ambient lighting device 1 to activate at least one lighting device 3, the control unit 10 receives sensor data from various systems. The ambient lighting device 1 is thus activated when an authorized person is in the vicinity of the vehicle 2. This can be determined, for example, by an identification transmitter 5, here in the form of a vehicle key 5.1, a transponder 5.2, and a mobile terminal 5.3, entering a detection range 6 of an identification system 7. In order to recognize the identification transmitters 5 and to communicate with them, the identification system 7 has a communication module 7.1.This exchanges radio signals with the identification transmitters 5, for example, via ultra-wideband communication. However, any radio technology such as mobile communications, WiFi, Bluetooth, or the like can also be used.

[0037] Furthermore, an environmental monitoring system 12 is connected to the control unit 10. This receives sensor signals from at least one vehicle camera 8, at least one vehicle microphone 9, a distance sensor 13, for example in the form of a distance radar and / or an ultrasonic sensor, and from at least one laser scanner 14, such as a lidar. Furthermore, at least one brightness sensor 15 is connected to the environmental monitoring system 12, with the aid of which the current ambient brightness in the environment around the vehicle 2 can be determined. With the aid of the environmental monitoring system 12, the approach of the authorized person to the vehicle 2 can be additionally validated. The environmental lighting device 1 can also be operated only when the brightness sensor 15 detects sufficient darkness in the environment around the vehicle 2.With the help of an engine control unit 16, an activated or deactivated engine, in particular in the form of a drive motor of the vehicle 2, can also be detected. If the drive motor is deactivated, this indicates a stationary or parked vehicle 2. In the case of a moving vehicle 2, operation of the ambient lighting device 1 is excluded if the vehicle 2 exceeds a specified vehicle speed. The vehicle speed can be determined, for example, with the help of various vehicle sensors, such as a wheel speed sensor and / or an evaluation of the vehicle's current geoposition using a global navigation satellite system.

[0038] Furthermore, an interior monitoring system 17 is connected to the control unit 10. With the help of the interior monitoring system 17, a vehicle interior is monitored in order to monitor seat occupancy and / or the behavior of a vehicle occupant, for example, in order to detect a vehicle occupant's desire to exit. For this purpose, the interior monitoring system 17 receives sensor signals from several sensors. These include a vehicle interior camera 18, at least one vehicle interior microphone 19, at least one seat occupancy sensor 20, at least one touch sensor 21, which is integrated into at least one door handle of a vehicle door in order to detect touching of the door handle, and at least one inertial sensor 22, with the help of which an acceleration of the vehicle 2 in any direction can be determined.With the help of the inertial sensor 22, for example, a bumping of the vehicle 2 can be detected, whereby a direction from which the vehicle 2 was bumped can also be calculated.

[0039] Furthermore, an operating device 23 is connected to the control unit 10, whereby the control unit 10 can generally also be integrated into the operating device 23. The operating device 23 comprises a display 24 and an operating element 25. The operating device 23 can be, for example, a head unit of the vehicle 2. The display 24 can be any display, such as an instrument cluster, a display of a central on-board computer or the like. The operating element 25 can be, for example, a touch screen or a physical switch, button, rotary control or the like. This can be included, for example, in an instrument panel of the vehicle 2. An authorized person orA person driving the vehicle can put the ambient lighting device 1 into a standby mode so that the ambient lighting device 1 emits light when an authorized person approaches the vehicle 2. If, however, the ambient lighting device 1 is not operated in standby mode, it will not emit any light even when the authorized person is present in the detection area 6 around the vehicle 2. This prevents unwanted emission of light. Furthermore, the control unit 10 comprises a computer program product 26, in particular in the form of control software. This can be a vehicle-type-specific computer program product 26.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a vehicle 2, which projects a light pattern 4 into the surroundings of the vehicle 2 using a method according to the invention. The vehicle 2 is in particular a transporter or van. The vehicle 2 comprises precisely five lighting devices 3, with the aid of which a continuous carpet of light can be created around a side and rear area of the vehicle 2. At least the surrounding areas around the vehicle 2 that are adjacent to the doors of the vehicle 2 are illuminated. This allows for comfortable entry and exit, loading and / or unloading of the vehicle 2, as well as the retrieval of dropped objects in the dark.Additionally, it is also conceivable for the vehicle 2 to enlarge the surrounding area occupied by the light pattern 4 with the aid of vehicle headlights 27 and / or additional auxiliary lights 28, in particular to create a complete, continuous light carpet around the perimeter of the vehicle 2. The light carpet or the light pattern 4 can also extend under the vehicle 2 in some areas.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a traffic situation in which vehicle occupants want to get out of a parked vehicle 2, but other road users in the form of an approaching vehicle 29 and a cyclist 30 are approaching the vehicle 2. The other vehicle 29 and the cyclist 30 are detected with the aid of environmental sensors of the vehicle 2, in particular with the aid of vehicle cameras 8, distance sensors 13 and / or a Fig.3 is detected by a laser scanner 14, not shown. By evaluating a relative position between the vehicle 2 and the other vehicle 29 and the cyclist 30, as well as a direction of movement and speed of movement of the other road users, the vehicle 2 or the control unit 10 comprised by the vehicle 2 is able to calculate whether one of the other road users will soon enter an entry and / or exit area of the vehicle 2, i.e. whether a collision with the vehicle 2 is imminent if one of the doors of the vehicle 2 is opened. If this is the case and a vehicle occupant also wishes to leave the vehicle, which is determined by interior monitoring, the ambient lighting device 1 or the lighting devices 3 projects a corresponding light pattern 4 into the surroundings to warn the other road users and the vehicle occupants exiting the vehicle 2.The light pattern 4 is visible to other road users as well as the vehicle occupants, allowing both to be warned of a potential collision. In particular, the light pattern 4 can be projected into the surroundings in a warning color such as bright red and can contain warning messages, for example a warning text and / or a warning symbol. In addition, the light pattern 4 is provided with a dynamic characteristic, which increases the perception of the light pattern 4. For example, the light pattern 4 can pulsate, move and / or flash like a strobe light. If, however, there are no other road users in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle 2, the light pattern 4 can be projected into the surroundings with a different characteristic. For example, the light pattern 4 can then be green and have no dynamic characteristic. This can improve road safety.

Claims

[1] Method for operating an ambient lighting device (1) of a vehicle (2), wherein the ambient lighting device (1) emits at least one light pattern (4) into the surroundings of the vehicle (2) in response to a control command by means of at least one lighting device (3), characterized by , that the ambient lighting device (1) is put into a standby mode by inputting an operating action by means of an operating element (25), wherein the ambient lighting device (1) emits light when an authorized person approaches the vehicle (2) while it is operated in the standby mode; wherein by means of the ambient lighting device (1), information is projected into the surroundings at least when at least one vehicle door is opened, wherein a content of the information is changed depending on a seat occupancy of a vehicle seat adjacent to the opened door. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that a person is recognized as an authorized person using at least one of the following methods: - entry of an identification transmitter (5) into a detection range (6) of an identification system (7) of the vehicle (2), wherein in particular a vehicle key (5.1), transponder (5.2) and / or a mobile terminal (5.3) is used as the identification transmitter (5); - evaluating at least one camera image generated by at least one vehicle camera (8), in particular using facial recognition; and / or - Evaluating an audio signal output by at least one vehicle microphone (9), wherein the audio signal in particular comprises at least one keyword and / or key phrase spoken by the authorized person and wherein preferably a voice characteristic of the authorized person is analyzed. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat when a vehicle occupant wishes to leave the vehicle (2), a light pattern (4) is projected into the surroundings by means of the ambient lighting device (1), wherein the light pattern (4) has a different color, shape, area, pattern, brightness, luminous range and / or dynamics when it is possible to exit safely or when there is a potential risk of an accident. [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that in addition to or alternatively to the light pattern (4) projected into the surroundings, an interior lighting of the vehicle (2) is activated depending on a safe or unsafe exit. [5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the ambient lighting device (1) emits light upon detection of a break-in attempt and / or damage to the vehicle (2), wherein the ambient lighting device (1) exclusively illuminates a relevant surrounding area. [6] Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that seat occupancy is monitored by means of camera surveillance of the vehicle interior and / or by means of a seat occupancy sensor. [7] Vehicle (2) with a lighting device (1), at least one control unit (10) and an identification system (7), characterized by that the control device (10) is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Vehicle (2) according to claim 7, characterized by that at least one lighting device (3) of the lighting device (1), in particular a projector designed to display information, is integrated into a sill panel, underbody panel and / or a bumper. [9] Vehicle (2) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized byexactly five lighting devices (3), wherein two lighting devices (3) are arranged on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle viewed in relation to a vehicle longitudinal axis and one lighting device (3) is arranged at the rear of the vehicle and in particular the lighting devices (3) are designed to project a continuous light pattern (4) into the surroundings.

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